Senators Paul and McConnell praise passage of KY hemp bill

On Tuesday, March 26, the Kentucky General Assembly agreed to final passage of Kentucky Senate Bill 50, which would set up a framework to regulate industrial hemp in Kentucky.

Kentucky Sen. Paul has pledged to seek a waiver from the administration when a regulatory framework is in place. He has also introduced legislation at the federal level that removes restrictions on the production of industrial hemp.

"I commend the Kentucky General Assembly for final passage of Senate Bill 50. I want to thank Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture James Comer, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Paul Hornback and the members of the Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission for their leadership and hard work in passing this legislation," Sen. Paul said.

"Senate Bill 50 is an important step forward in the reintroduction of industrial hemp in Kentucky. I have pledged, along with Rep. John Yarmuth, to seek a waiver when a regulatory framework is in place. I will follow through on that pledge and I hope that Kentucky will soon start growing hemp, creating jobs and leading the nation in this industry again."

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell released the following statement regarding passage by the Kentucky General Assembly of Senate Bill 50:

"I applaud Commissioner James Comer for his leadership on the issue and the Kentucky General Assembly for passing the legislation which has the potential to provide an economic boost to Kentucky, create jobs and allow Kentucky farmers to harness the economic potential that industrial hemp can provide. I will continue to work with Senator Paul on a federal approach that would enable Kentucky farmers to cultivate and profit from industrial hemp in a way that does not compromise Kentucky law enforcement's marijuana eradication efforts or in any way promote illegal drug use."